Tree-climbing boy killed by village guard

A 14-year-old boy was killed after being shot in the head last Sunday by a security guard who had accosted him for climbing a mango tree inside a subdivision in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

The victim Roberto Alvarina, 14, of 1093 Pat Antonio street, Sta. Mesa, Manila, died while undergoing treatment at the Lourdes Hospital.

Police said the suspect Bienvenido Francisco, 54, a stay-in secrity guard at Landcom Village, Sta. Mesa, fled after the incident.

Investigator SPO2 Edmundo Cabal said the shooting took place at around 10 a.m. in front of a house on Martes street in Landcom Village.

Police said Francisco caught the victim climbing a tree to collect mangoes.

The guard called the boy’s attention and ordered him to get down from the tree, which the boy immediately did.

As Francisco attempted to frisk the boy, the latter tried to run away. It was at this juncture that the guard allegedly shot the victim in the head.

Meanwhile, a 45-year-old butcher identified as Orlando Flores, was hacked to death by a fellow butcher in Tondo, Manila on Sunday night.

Flores’ attacker, a certain "Dodong," managed to escape after the killing that took place at around 8:30 a.m. last Sunday. The two were seen having an argument earlier.– Cecille Suerte Felipe